President Trump Signs Rep. Steube’s Disaster Tax Relief Bill Into Law
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) announced that President Donald Trump signed the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act into law, delivering critical tax relief and certainty to Americans recovering from federally declared natural disasters. The legislation extends federal disaster tax relief for Americans impacted by federally declared disasters between July 4, 2025, and December 31, 2026.
“This delivers long-overdue certainty to Americans rebuilding after natural disasters. Disaster victims should be focused on rebuilding their homes, businesses, and communities, not worrying about an unexpected tax burden on the assistance they receive,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “I’m grateful to President Trump for signing this important legislation into law and ensuring families across the country receive the relief they deserve. Congressman LaMalfa worked tirelessly to get this legislation across the finish line, and it is fitting that his legacy of service will live on for years to come.”
“Thanks to bipartisan leadership in Congress and President Trump, disaster victims now have the certainty they need to rebuild their lives. Families who lose their homes to a wildfire or a hurricane should not also lose a sizable piece of their recovery resources to the IRS. I commend Congressman Steube for his tireless efforts to see this bill across the finish line, and I want to recognize our late colleague Doug LaMalfa, whose years of advocacy for disaster victims in California made this law possible,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith.
“After disaster strikes, impacted Americans should be focused on rebuilding their lives and their communities – not surprise changes to their tax bills. After speaking with so many Americans in Florida and across the country impacted by natural disasters, including meeting Spencer Pratt at his burned-down home and touring the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, I knew we had to do something. Now that President Trump has signed this bill into law, I’m grateful to have worked with Spencer, Rep. Steube, and Sen. Schiff to ensure those affected by hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters continue to receive the real tax relief – and the peace of mind – they deserve,” said Senator Rick Scott.
“The last thing families and communities recovering from natural disasters should have to worry about is an additional tax burden when they’re trying to get back on their feet,” said Rep. Panetta. “I’m proud that our bipartisan legislation has been signed into law to ensure that wildfire relief payments and hurricane losses continue to qualify for fair tax treatment. This new law will provide disaster-impacted Americans with the certainty, time, and tools they need to rebuild and move forward.”
“Surviving a natural disaster can place an enormous financial burden on families. It is critical that we support victims of devastating disasters like the wildfires in California and across the country. That’s why I was proud to team up with Senator Rick Scott and Representatives Greg Steube, Mike Thompson and Jimmy Panetta to provide tax relief to the victims of natural disasters and why I am so grateful to see our bipartisan bill signed into law. We must ensure that those hit the hardest when disaster strikes receive the support and the tax relief they need to recover. And in seeing our bill become law, we affirm a vital part of the late Doug LaMalfa’s legacy,” said Senator Adam Schiff.
TheDoug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act allows Americans impacted by federally declared disasters to deduct qualified casualty losses without having to itemize deductions. The legislation also ensures certain disaster relief payments are not treated as taxable income.
The legislation was led in the upper chamber by Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.), with Representatives Steube, the late Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) leading in the House. The legislation was originally introduced as the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2025, but was later renamed in honor of the late Congressman LaMalfa, who spent years championing disaster tax relief for Americans recovering from catastrophic events and passed unanimously.
The Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act builds on Rep. Steube’s Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023, which delivered billions in tax relief to Americans recovering from hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes, and other federally declared disasters. By extending these tax provisions through December 31, 2026, the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act provides continued certainty for disaster victims as they rebuild and recover.
With multiple pieces of standalone tax legislation now signed into law by both Presidents Trump and Biden, Congressman Steube has continued to demonstrate his ability to overcome Washington gridlock and deliver meaningful results for the American taxpayer.
Congressman Steube is one of five House Republicans not on the Ways and Means Committee Leadership to bring two taxpayer bills into law in over fifty years.
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